Bealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross

The Bealach na Ba is one of the highest and most dramatic mountain roads in Britain, climbing from sea level at Tornapress to 626 metres in under 11 km with gradients and hairpin bends that test both vehicle and driver. The summit plateau above the pass, however, rewards those who arrive by foot rather than car. From the car park a series of open moorland ridges climb gently above the road to higher ground with views west to Skye and Raasay, north into the Torridon hills and south towards Knoydart. The terrain is open heather moorland with occasional rock outcrops, and the sense of space and altitude gives the walk a genuinely remote Highland character.

This is an exceptional dog friendly walk for dogs that enjoy open moorland. Off-lead potential is high across the plateau, with no fencing, minimal livestock risk above the road level and a landscape wide enough that dogs can range freely while remaining in sight. The clean moorland burns provide drinking water throughout. The main challenge is weather: the summit plateau is fully exposed and conditions can change rapidly. Suitable waterproofs for both owner and dog are essential. In good weather this is one of the finest short moorland walks in Wester Ross. The Applecross Inn in the village below is dog-friendly and provides an excellent end to a day that combines the road and the walk above it.